FBI Foils Plot to Target White‑House UFC 250 Event
The FBI announced on X that it disrupted a plot to attack the White House during a UFC 250 event that celebrated President Donald Trump’s 80th birthday. The plan involved explosive‑laden drone aircraft that would have struck nearby buildings, drawing a fleeing crowd toward a sniper team, officials said.
Kash Patel, the FBI’s acting chief of counterterrorism, said multiple suspects were now in custody following a “multi‑state operation.” The agency stated that the alleged attacks were halted before they could proceed.
Sources told CBS News that the attackers would have used the drones not only for explosions, but also to create a psychological panic so that the crowd would be led into a secondary sniping spot. A second wave of attackers was allegedly planned to storm the White House gate.
One suspect was arrested in Cincinnati last week and investigators gained access to Signal chats where plotters discussed logistics. The FBI’s X statement linked to a Fox News report that provided more detail on the drone and sniping strategy.
Patel posted a firm statement: “We are built to detect, respond to and bring to justice those who threaten the lives of American citizens—particularly during large gatherings like the historic UFC 250 fight.”
The Secret Service said it closely worked with the FBI throughout the investigation and that “formal comments regarding the specifics of this case will be available in court filings,” according to Director Sean Curran.
The UFC event on the South Lawn—held in conjunction with the White House’s 250th anniversary—drawn a crowd of Trump affiliates, celebrities and members of his administration. The incident deters future threats and reinforces the importance of comprehensive security at national events.
